Martellus Bennett

Bennett had a career year in his first season in Chicago, but that was only enough to make him a fringe top-10 tight end as the team's fourth receiving option. While he had 94 targets, he averaged jus...

Bennett kicked off the week with a limited showing in drills, but with back-to-back full practices in his back pocket, there's little worry regarding his availability Thursday. Meanwhile, his opponent, the Cowboys, haven't yielded much to tight ends in the last four outings, allowing a combined 13 catches for 128 yards and two touchdown grabs.

With a full practice under his belt to conclude the week, Bennett's rib injury is effectively a non-issue. He'll aim to strike gold, against a Vikings defense that has allowed just a pair of touchdowns to tight ends this season.

After scoring in each of the first three games last year, Bennett managed just two more touchdowns the rest of the way, and he topped 80 yards receiving only once all season. And though he played 16 games, Bennett was hobbled for much of the season by a hyperextended knee, as well as by an inconsistent Giants offense that failed to pass for more than 250 yards in seven of its last nine games. A massive 6-6, 270, Bennett uses size more than speed to beat defenders. His large frame is also an asset in the red zone where he saw 16 targets last season, seven inside the 10-yard line. Now that he's in Chicago, Bennett will have Jay Cutler getting him the ball, but it's unclear how the Bears will incorporate the tight end into the offense. Last season, the Bears threw to No. 1 tight end Kellen Davis only 44 times, but Davis is not known for his pass catching, and in any event, there's an entirely new coaching staff calling the plays. New offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer, who spent the last five years in New Orleans and filled in as head coach early last year, is likely to be more tight-end friendly, and the entire offense should move at a faster pace.

2012

Bennett brings his talents to the Giants after spending the last few seasons playing behind Jason Witten in Dallas. The Giants had a hole at tight end with both Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum rehabbing ACL injuries, giving Bennett an opportunity to carve out a prominent role in the passing game. Bennett could prosper working between the numbers with Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks attracting attention from opposing defensive backs. Bennett is a huge red-zone target at 6-6 and has good speed for his listed playing weight (270), but he showed up to offseason workouts at 291 pounds, reviving the work-ethic issues that dogged him in Dallas. Bennett has the talent and opportunity to produce, making him an intriguing fantasy considering -- as long as proves heís matured.

2011

Bennett turned in a solid effort in 2010 as Dallas' second tight end, but didn't definitively establish himself as Jason Witten's heir apparent. He lacks breakaway speed but otherwise has the physical tools to be a potent weapon in the passing game, especially in the red zone, but so far in his career Bennett hasn't shown the focus or discipline necessary to take full advantage of his gifts. With the more polished John Phillips returning from injury, Bennett may have to take a step forward in his development to keep his TE2 spot on the depth chart.

2010

Bennett took a step back last season as a
second-year pro and caught only 15 of the 30
balls thrown his way. He wasnít used much in
the passing game after a strong preseason and
then missed two late-season games due to a
concussion. Bennett squabbled with offensive
coordinator Jason Garrett over his role, and
where that leaves him for 2010 is unknown at
this point. In any event, Jason Wittenís dominance
doesnít provide a lot of leftovers for
Bennett, even though Bennett has good size (6-
6) and speed for the position.

2009

Bennett very quietly recorded four touchdowns last season, playing second fiddle to Jason Witten. While Bennett has excellent size (6-6, 259) and good speed for the position, itís hard to imagine him having an enormous role with Witten, Roy Williams and three quality running backs on the roster. Should something happen to Witten, however, Bennett has a good deal of upside, so long as he keeps his focus and maintains his consistency. Thereís little doubt about the 22-year-oldís physical skills, so bump him up a bit in keeper leagues.